Alaska Supreme Court

DEFAMATION – Olivit sued the Juneau and a newspaper for defamation, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional stress after the newspaper published a story about his harassment claims against the city. J. Eastaugh found that the statements were not defamatory or privileged because they concerned matters of public importance. See ruling.

DAMAGES – Alaska Trademark was denied permits to harvest wild geoducks. J. Eastaugh found that the state does not owe Alaska Trademark permit-related expenses because there is no evidence showing that the state promised Alaska Trademark the right to harvest geoducks. Affirmed. See ruling.